Flotation confinement apparatus

ABSTRACT

A flotation confinement apparatus for disposition on a body of water which apparatus is particularly useful around offshore oil rigs and in cooperation with a shoreline to retain or to exclude oil or other undesirable matter until such matter can be removed or otherwise eliminated.

United States Patent [72] inventor Billie A. Trindle 8712 S. Youngs, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73159 [21] Appl. No. 827,411 [22] Filed May 23, 1969 [45] Patented July 13, 1971 [54] FLOTATION CONFINEMENT APPARATUS 1 Claim, 12 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.C1 61/1, 61/5 511 1111. c1 130% 15/04 [50] FieldofSearch 61/1,5.69; 210/ 1 2 1, 242

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,494,132 2/1970 Logan 61/1 3,499,290 5/1970 Smlth 3,499,291 3/1970 Mikkelsen 1.

3,503,214 3/1970 Desty et al.

FOREIGN PATENTS 1,305 ,469 1962 France 229,635 1925 Great Britain Primary Examiner-Jacob Shapiro Attorney-Dunlap, Laney, Hessin & Dougherty ABSTRACT: A flotation confinement apparatus for disposition on a body of water which apparatus is particularly useful around offshore oi1 rigs and in cooperation with a shoreline to retain or to exclude oil or other undesirable matter until such matter can be removed or otherwise eliminated.

FLOTATION CONFINEMENT APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1 Field of the Invention This invention relates generally. to improvements in flotation apparatus and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an improved flotation confinement apparatus which is utilized to form a protective periphery to retain or keep out oil or other undesirable matter.

2. Description of the Prior Art The problem of water pollution has been of some general concern for a number of years. This problem, however, has become extremely acute in recent years with the advent or increase in offshore drilling for oil.

An oil slick invariably results anytime an offshore rig is installed. This oil slick can result simply from seepage, or such can result from a break or other malfunction in various pipelines associated with the offshore rig.

Where the oil slick results from seepage, and usually only small quantities of oil are involved at any given time. Therefore, the problem was generally not recognized or at least no attempt was generally made to remove the oil until such time as the quantity of oil had built up, to an unmanageable amount or had already been washed on shore. At this time, it was generally too late to do anything but try to maintain the resulting damage at a minimum.

When large quantities of oil were involved, occurring via a break or other malfunction in the pipelines, the problem was easily recognized, but the solution-was elusive. The basic approaches in the past directed toward eliminating a pollution of water caused by oil or other such matter have been twofold The first was to simply try to construct an offshore rig with the maximum safety features incorporated therein, at least within the economic limits. This approach, of course, does not eliminate the problem, but rather reduces or attempts to reduce the resulting damage.

The second approach was to try to discover methods of cleaning up the oil in theshortest possible time. The solutions found in this area are generally too costly to be used on a daily basis to combat the seepage, and these have not been found to be adequate or fast enough to clean up large quantities of oil during what may be referred to as a major disaster.

It is apparent that both of the approaches taken in the past tended only to reduce the damaging effects, and neither provided a continuing type of antiwater pollution or oil loss control.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention contemplates a flotation confinement apparatus designed to provide a protective periphery to retain or keep out undesirable debris or matter, such as oil. The flotation confinement apparatus comprises a plurality of flotation sections. Each flotation section is adapted such that a portion thereof will extend above the waterline when the flotation section is floated in water. Means are provided to interconnectingly secure the various flotations together such that they form a protective periphery.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus for retaining a relatively large volume of oil on a body of water.

A further object of the invention is to provide flotation confinement apparatus which can be used around an offshore oil rig to retain the oil seepage within a given protective periphery.

Another object of the invention is to provide flotation confinement apparatus which can be used in cooperation with the shoreline to retain or keep out undesirable matter such as oil.

One other object of the invention is to provide flotation confinement apparatus in a segmental form which can be quickly and easily assembled or repaired in the field for emer gency use.

One further object of the invention is to provide flotation confinement apparatus where the vertical height of the apparatus above the water is adjustable to retain a certain level of oil slick or other such debris within a given protective periphery.

One additional object of the invention is to provide flotation confinement apparatus which can be economically manufactured and will have a long service life.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be evident from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a pictorial representation of a flotation confinement apparatus providing a protective periphery about a shoreline;

FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of a flotation confinement apparatus providing a protective periphery around an offshore oil rig;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a flotation section;

FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of the flotation section of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the flotation section of FIG. 3, taken substantially along the lines 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional, partial elevational view of the interconnecting means of the flotation section of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of two of the flotation sections of FIG. 3 joined in an assembled position;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a modified flotation section;

FIG. 9 is a top elevational view of the modified flotation section of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the modified flotation section of FIG. 8 taken substantially along the lines 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of another modified flotation section; and

FIG. 12 is a top elevational view of the modified flotation section ofFIG. 11.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings in detail, and to FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, shown therein and designated by general reference character 10 is a flotation confinement apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention.

The flotation confinement apparatus 10, in one form, is used to form a protective periphery to either retain debris or matter such as oil within a protective periphery, or to keep it out, depending upon the particular application involved. The flotation confinement apparatus 10 basically comprises a plurality of flotation sections 12 which are joined together to form the protective periphery.

As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of the flotation sections 12 have been joined to form an encompassing protective periphery about an area of a shoreline 14. When the flotation sections 12 are joined and used in cooperation with a shoreline in this manner, the shoreline 14 is protectedfrom any matter or debris which may be present in the body of water 16, outside of the protective periphery.

It is also apparent that when used in this manner, the flotation confinement apparatus 10 could retain debris within the body of water 18, or in other words within the protective periphery formed by the flotation confinement apparatus I0.

As shown in FIG. 2, the flotation sections 12 have been joined to form a protective periphery around an offshore oil rig designated by the general reference 20. When the flotation sections 12 are joined in this manner, the flotation confinement apparatus 10 will form a protective periphery around the offshore oil rig 20. and retain any seepage of oil within the body of water 22, or in other words within the protective periphery formed by the flotation confinement apparatus 10.

One embodiment of the flotation section 12 is shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, and this basically comprises a rectangular shaped shell 24 having an elongated diamond-shaped cross section, an upper and a lower side 26 and 28, respectively, and opposite ends 30 and 32.

The shell 24, as shown more clearly in FIG. 5, has an upper triangular-shaped section 34 having sides 36 and 38 thereon, and a lower triangular-shaped section 40 having sides 42 and 44 thereon. The upper and lower triangular-shaped sections 34 and 40 are separated by a plate 50, which in cross section forms a common base for the upper and lower triangularshaped sections 34 and 40.

One end of the side 36 of the upper triangular section 34 is joined to one end of the side 38, thereby fonning the upper side 26 of the shell 24. The ends of the sides 36 and 38, op posite the ends which are joined, are each secured to one side of the plate 50, thereby forming a hollow upper chamber 52 in the upper triangular section 34. One end of the side 42 of the lower triangular section 40 is joined to one end of the side 44, thereby forming the lower side 28 of the shell 24. The ends of the sides 42 and 44 opposite the ends which are joined, are each secured to one side of the plate 50, thereby forming a hollow lower chamber 54 in the lower triangular section 40.

The end 30 of the shell 24 is secured to one end of the sides 36 and 38 of the upper triangular section 34, to one end of the sides 42 and 44 of the lower triangular section 40 and to one end of the plate 50, thereby enclosing one end of the upper and lower chambers 52 and 54. The end 32 of the shell 24 is secured to one end of the sides 36 and 38 of the upper triangular-shaped section 34; to one end of the sides 42 and 44 of the lower triangular-shaped section 40, and to one end of the plate 50, opposite the ends which secured to the end 30 of the shell 24, thereby enclosing one end of the upper and lower cham bers 52 and 54. It is apparent from the foregoing that the plate 50 isolates the upper chamber from the lower chamber, for reasons which will be described in detail below.

Since the ends 30 and 32 of the shell 24, the sides 36 and 38 of the upper triangular-shaped section 34, and the sides 42 and 44 of the lower triangular-shaped section 40 will be either immersed in water, or exposed to the water, the sides and ends mentioned above should be constructed of a material suitable for this particular type of application. In a preferred form, the sides and ends of the shell 24 are constructed of a laminated fiberglass material which affords desirable strength, resilience and lightweight qualities. It should be noted too, that in one form, the sides of the shell 24 could be of a one-piece construction for purposes of economy and manufacture.

A metal frame 56, which may be constructed of pipe, is secured to the shell 24 and extends around the outer periphery thereof. The metal frame 56 provides the basic structural strength, both lateral and longitudinal support, to the flotation section 12.

Shown more clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of tongues 58 are secured to the portion of the metal frame 56 adjacent the end 30 of the flotation section I2. The tongues 58 extend perpendicular to the end 30, and each tongue 58 has an aperture 60 which extends therethrough. The purpose of the tongues 58 will be described in more detail below.

A C-shaped bracket 62 having an end 64 and flange portions 66 and 68, whichextend perpendicular to the end 64, is secured on the end 32 of the shell 24, In particular, the ends of the flanges 66 and 68, opposite the ends which are secured to the end 64 thereof, are each secured to the end 32 of the shell 24; and each flange 66 and 68 is formed to have a sufficient length so that a gap 70 will exist between the end 64 of the bracket 62'and'th'e end 32 of the shell 24.

As shown more clearly in FIG. 6, a plurality of slots 72 are provided through the end 64 of the bracket 62, thereby communicating with the gap 70 between the bracket 62 and the shell- 24. The slots 72 are sized and positioned to receive the tongues 58 in a manner and for a purpose to be described below.

A guide arm 74 extends through the shell 24, adjacent the plate 50 and the end 32 thereof, and is adjustably secured therein. As shown more clearly in FIG. 4, and'in the preferred form, the guide arm 74 extends a greater distance from the shell 24 on one side thereof than on the opposite side thereof, thereby resulting in what may be referred'to as a short arm 76 extending from one side of the shell 24 and a long arm 78 extending from the opposite side of the shell 24. A guide hook 79 is secured on each end of the guide arm 74, for reasons which will be made more apparent below.

In a preferred form, the guide arm 74 is adjustable so that the the long arm 78 and the short arm 76 may be alternately extended from the opposite sides of the flotation section 12. However, if the guide arm 74 is not adjustable in this manner, but rather is secured in place in the flotation section 12, it is necessary to provide a flotation section 12a to be used in cooperation with the flotation section 12 in forming the flotation confinement apparatus 10.

The flotation section 12a is constructed identically to the flotation section 12 except the short arm 76 of the long arm 78 will extend from the opposite side of the shell 24 with respect to the short arm 76 of the flotation section 12, and the long arm 78 will extend from the opposite side of the flotation section 120 with respect to the long arm 68 of the flotation section 12. Notwithstanding the particular construction of the guide arm 74, the flotation section 12a referred to hereinafter will be a flotation section wherein the guide arm 74 extends from the shell 24 in a manner as described above.

The upper hollow chamber 52, in a preferred form, is filled with a flotation material 80. It has been found that a polyurethane foam plastic provides an excellent flotation material to be used in this portion of the shell 24.

A fill port 82, having a plug 84 removably disposed therein, is provided in the side 42 of the lower triangular section 40, and it is disposed adjacent the connection of the side 42 with the plate 50. A drain port 86, having a plug 88 removably disposed therein, is provided in the lower portion of the side 42 generally adjacent the side 28 of the shell 24. The purpose of the flll port 82 is to permit the filling of the lower chamber 54 with ballast, preferably water, and the drain port 86 is provided to drain the ballast from the lower chamber 54, as will be described in greater detail below.

In the preferred form, a neoprene seal 90 is bonded to each end 30 and 32 of the shell 24. The neoprene seal is sized to sealingly engage the adjoining flotation section, and yet it will permit a certain amount of transverse movement between the two flotation sections, as will be described in greater detail below. a

A plurality of eyebolts 92 are secured on the lower side 28 of the shell 24, and these are provided to accommodate an anchor or additional weights which may be required during the operation of the flotation confinement apparatus 10, as will be described below.

Operation of FIGS. 1 through 7 In a preferred form of using the flotation sections 12 and 12a to form a protective periphery, the lower chamber 54 is initially filled through port 82 with a ballast 94, such as water, to a level 96. The level 96, or in other words the volume of ballast 94 which is put in the lower chamber 54, will depend on the requirements of the particular application. It is apparent, that the greater the volume of ballast 94 which is put in the lower chamber 54, the lower the shell 24 will' ride in the water, or in other words, the closer the topside 26 of the shell 24 will be to the waterline. In this manner the volume of debris combined within the protective periphery is adjustable and controllable.

A plurality of flotation sections 12 and 12a are'loaded on a barge or similar water vehicle and transported to the particular area of water where the flotation confinement apparatus is to be used. A flotation section 12 is lowered into the water in a position where a portion of the shell 24 generally adjacent the upper side 26 thereof extends above the waterline. A flotation section 12a is lowered into the water in the same manner, and it is positioned such that the end 32 of the flotation section 120 is generally adjacent the end 30 of the flotation section 12.

The flotation sections 12 and 120 are moved into an interlocking and adjoining relationship. The tongues 58 will be in serted through the slots 72, the gap 70 being sized sufficiently large to accommodate the tongues 58 such that they will not contact the end 32 of the flotation section 12a.

An elongated eyebolt 98 is inserted downwardly through the gap 70, between the bracket 62 and the shell 24, and through each aperture 60 of each tongue 58. The eyebolt 98 will therefore join the flotation sections 12 and 12a in an interlocking type relationship.

The neoprene seal 90 bonded on the end 30 of the flotation section 12, and the seal 90 bonded on the end 32 of the flotation section 120, are each sized to extend a sufficient distance from the respective shell 24 so that the seals 90 will sealingly contact when the flotation sections 12 and 12a are interlocked. It should be noted that the seals 90 are also sufficiently sized to permit some transverse movement between the flotation sections 12 and 12a.

The flotation sections 12 and 12a are alternately interlocked and positioned to form the protective periphery, such as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The particular number of flotation sections 12 and 120 used to form a given protective periphery will, of course, depend on the particular application and the size of the area to be enclosed.

Either during the time the flotation sections 12 and 120 are being disposed in the water, or after the protective periphery has been formed, a pair of guide cables 100 are extended between each of the flotation sections 12 and 120. One of the guide cables 100 is extended around the inner portion of the protective periphery, and the other cable 100 is extended around the outer portion of the protective periphery. Each cable 100 is secured to each flotation section 12 and 120 through the guide hooks 79 on the guide arm 74.

Since the flotation sections 12 and 12a are alternately joined, it is apparent that each cable 100 will be secured through the guide hook 79 of the long am 78 of one of the flotation section 12 or 120 and, alternately, through the guide hook 79 of the short arm 76 of one of the flotation sections 12 or 12a, as shown more clearly in FIG. 7.

When the flotation sections have been secured to form the protective periphery. and the cables 100 have been secured as described above, it is apparent that by pulling either cable 100, an individual can control and alter the shape and position of the protective periphery.

It is apparent too from the foregoing that the flotation sections 12 and 12a are such that they can be easily transported to a particular work location, and quickly assembled to form the protective periphery. The flotation sections 12 and 12a may therefore be used in emergency situations to prevent the resulting costly damage. For example, if a break were to occur in a pipeline located offshore thereby depositing large quantities of oil in the water, a protective periphery could quickly be formed around the oil to contain same until such time as it could be removed or otherwise eliminated. It is apparent that it may also be desirable in such a situation to provide the protective periphery about a certain shoreline to protect the shore from damage.

In one presently constructed form, the flotation sections are about feet in length and ten feet in overall height. These dimensions will vary with requirements.

The flotation sections 12 and 120 are also of such a structure that they may be used on a permanent antiwater pollution basis. For example, a protective periphery could be formed around an offshore oil rig, as shown in FIG. 2, thereby retaining the oil slick, which invariably builds up, until such time as it can be pumped out or otherwise eliminated. The height which the upper side 26 of each shell 24 extends above the waterline will determine the volume of oil which can be retained within the protective periphery.

When the flotation confinement apparatus 10 is used in cooperation with a shoreline, it may be desirable to attach an anchor or other such additional weight through the eyebolt 92 of some of the flotation sections 12 and 12a to provide additional stability to the protective periphery. It is apparent that the location of the guide cables provides the main stabilizing factor.

It should also be noted, that when using the flotation confinement apparatus 10 to form the protective periphery about an offshore oil rig, it may be desirable to secure at least four cables between the rig and the protective periphery to provide an additional stabilizing compensator.

Embodiment of FIGS. 8,9 and 10 A modified flotation section 200 is shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, and this basically comprises a shell 202 having an upper portion 204 and a lower portion 206 and opposite ends 208 and 210.

The lower portion 206 has a rectangular shaped cross section, upper and lower sides 212 and 214, respectively, and opposite sides 216 and 218. The sides 212, 214, 216 and 218 define a lower chamber 220 in the lower portion 206.

The upper portion 204 has sides 222 and 224, and is basically triangular-shaped in one cross section thereof as shown more clearly in FIG. 10. One end of the side 222 is joined to one end of the side 224, thereby forming what may be referred to as the upper side 226 of the shell 202.

The ends of the sides 222 and 224 opposite the ends which are joined together are each secured to the upper side 212 of the lower portion 206, in a manner which centrally locates the upper portion 204 on the upper side 212. The sides 222 and 224 of the upper portion 204 in cooperation with the upper side 212 of the lower portion 206 define an upper chamber 228 in the upper portion 206. The upper chamber 228 is of course isolated from the lower chamber 220 by the upper side 212 therebetween.

The end 208 of the shell 202 is secured to one end of the sides 222 and 224 of the upper portion 204, and to one end of the sides 212, 214, 216 and 218 of the lower portion 206,

thereby enclosing one end of the upper and lower chambers 228 and 220, respectively. The end 210 of the shell 202 is secured to one end of the sides 222 and 224 of the upper portion 204, and to one end of the sides 212,214,216 and 218 of the lower portion 206 opposite the ends secured to the end 208, thereby enclosing one end of the upper and lower chambers 228 and 220, respectively.

The lower chamber 220 is filled with a filler 230 which, in a preferred form, may be of a polyurethane-type material to provide the proper flotation for the flotation section 200.

A bracket-shaped metal frame 232 having a lower side 234 and opposite ends 236 and 238, extends downwardly from the lower portion 206 of the shell 202. An upper portion of the end 236 is secured to the end 208 of the shell 202, and an upper portion of the end 238 is secured to the end 210.

A plurality of spaced support members 240 are secured between the lower side 234 of the metal frame 232 and the lower side 214 of the lower portion 208 of the shell 202. A plurality of panels 242 are then secured between each of the support members 240.

The remaining portions of the shell 200, such as the C- shaped bracket, the tongues and the guide arm are identical in construction and operation to the components of the shell 24, FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, which have corresponding reference numerals.

A flotation section 2000 bears the same relationship to the flotation section 200, as the flotation section 12a and the flotation section 12. A pair of cables provides the stability and control between flotation sections 200 and 200a in the same manner as described before with respect to the cables 100.

Operation of FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 The flotation sections 200 and 200a will operate substantially the same as the flotation sections 12 and 12a previously described.

The flotation sections 200 and Elma are alternately joined in a manner exactly like that described with respect to the flotation sections 12 and 12a, to form a protective periphery to retain or keep out debris. In operation the metal frame 232 will of course be immersed in the water, and the upper edge 226 of the shell 202 will extend above the waterline.

Embodiment of FIGS. 11 1 and 12 A modified flotation section 300 is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and this basically comprises a shell 302 having a rectangular shaped cross section. The opposite end sides of the shell 302 form a chamber therebetween and within the shell 302. In this particular embodiment of the invention the chamber may be filled with a flotation material in a manner as described with respect to the flotation sections 12 and 200 described before.

The remaining portions of the shell 31M) are identical in construction and operation to the components of the shell 24 having the corresponding reference numerals.

A flotation section 3000 bears the same relationship to the flotation section 300 as does the flotation section 12a to the flotation section 12. A pair of cables will also provide the stability and control between the flotation sections 300 and 300a in a manner as described before with respect to the cables 100,

Operation of FIGS. Ill and 12 It is apparent from the foregoing that the flotation section 300 will operate in a manner substantially the same as the flotation sections 12 and 2M), and they may be alternately interconnected to form a protective periphery in a manner exactly as described before. Due to the shape and compact size of the flotation section 300, this embodiment may be more suitable to use in the emergency type situation.

It is apparent from the foregoing that the flotation confinement apparatus of the present invention controls one of the major problems of recent years; that is, preventing the pollution of the natural water resources, the shorelines, and the resulting depletion of water wildlife, which results from the presence of foreign matter such as oil in the water.

The flotation confinement apparatus can be used effectively not only in emergency situations, but in a manner providing a continuing-type control.

Changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of the parts or elements of the various embodiments as disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What I claim is:

l. A flotation confinement apparatus consisting of a plurality of shell members connected serially to envelope a body of oil-bearing water, each of said shell members comprising:

first elongated float means defining an upper chamber;

flotation material of high buoyancy characteristic disposed within said upper chamber;

second elongated float means defining a lower chamber,

said second float means being rigidly secured below said first elongated float means;

ballast means of predetermined amount contained within said lower chamber;

cable guide arm means secured transversely across said first elongated float means at one end of each of said shell members, each alternate arm means as between alternating shell members being laterally displaced in an opposite offset position relative to the shell member alignment; connecting means disposed on each end of said first and second elongated float means for pivotal, sealing interconnection to adjacent shell members serially connected therewith, said connecting means including first latch means which includes a bracket having one or more apertures disposed therethrough connected to one end of each of said shell members, and second latch means including one or more tongue means connected to the opposite ends of each of said shell members, such that said shell members are interconnected by joinder of each second latch means to a first latch means by locked insertion of respective tongue means within a respective bracket means; and,

first and second cables led along opposite sides of said flotation confinement apparatus as movably retained by opposite ends of said guide arm means as secured across each shell member. 

1. A flotation confinement apparatus consisting of a plurality of shell members connected serially to envelope a body of oilbearing water, each of said shell members comprising: first elongated float means defining an upper chamber; flotation material of high buoyancy characteristic disposed within said upper chamber; second elongated float means defining a lower chamber, said second float means being rigidly secured below said first elongated float means; bAllast means of predetermined amount contained within said lower chamber; cable guide arm means secured transversely across said first elongated float means at one end of each of said shell members, each alternate arm means as between alternating shell members being laterally displaced in an opposite off set position relative to the shell member alignment; connecting means disposed on each end of said first and second elongated float means for pivotal, sealing interconnection to adjacent shell members serially connected therewith, said connecting means including first latch means which includes a bracket having one or more apertures disposed therethrough connected to one end of each of said shell members, and second latch means including one or more tongue means connected to the opposite ends of each of said shell members, such that said shell members are interconnected by joinder of each second latch means to a first latch means by locked insertion of respective tongue means within a respective bracket means; and, first and second cables led along opposite sides of said flotation confinement apparatus as movably retained by opposite ends of said guide arm means as secured across each shell member. 